General

Nueva Ecija: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the inauguration of a cutting-edge vaccine unit at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) in Nueva Ecija province. According to Philippines News Agency, this state-of-the-art facility is a collaborative project between the Bureau of Animal Industry and Central Luzon State University (CLSU), aimed at addressing issues related to transboundary animal diseases through diagnosis, surveillance, research, and technology development. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the role of the facility in bolstering the country’s efforts against infectious diseases that threaten the swine and livestock industries. Laurel stated, “The National Animal

Antipolo: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday called for the reinforcement of community structures to safeguard the elderly, following an incident in Antipolo, Rizal where an elderly person with a disability was mocked by four men. “Let this incident be a reminder to all that our senior citizens have rights that are protected by the State. Hindi pwede yung bibiru-biruin at parang pinaglalaruan sila porke hindi na sila malakas physically para umangal (It is unacceptable for them to be made fun of or mocked just because they cannot defend themselves anymore),” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expressed openness to discussing a proposal from the steelmakers’ group to ban the use of induction furnaces in local steel production. Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist John Steven Magboo noted that while there is no current policy prohibiting induction furnaces for steel production, the DTI is willing to engage in discussions on the issue and the manufacturing process of steel parts. According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay event in Malate, Manila, Magboo invited industry stakeholders to provide data supporting their claims

Negros Oriental: The Negros Oriental police is preparing to fully deploy its personnel ahead of Holy Week, with heightened security measures starting Palm Sunday on April 13. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), said they are awaiting final orders for the implementation of Oplan Semana Santa from higher authorities. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Polinar stated, “We anticipate being placed under full alert status in the coming days, which would mean all personnel will be on duty unless there are exceptional circumstances.” Police officers will be stationed at high-traffic areas, such as churches,

Sibulan: Anti-illegal drug operatives seized some PHP27.2 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Sibulan, Negros Oriental on Wednesday that also led to the arrest of a high-value suspect. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), stated that the operation stemmed from ‘lengthy intelligence efforts’ targeting the suspect. Elgin Caday Rodriguez, 50, a resident of Barangay 2 in Bais City, was arrested around 6 a.m. in Purok 6, Barangay Maslog. Police recovered roughly four kgs. of suspected shabu from his possession. Personnel from the local police, the